A Climate Modelling Primer

by Kendal McGuffie, Ann Henderson-Sellers

As a consequence of recent increased awareness of the social and political dimensions of climate, many non-specialists discover a need for information about the variety of available climate models. A Climate Modelling Primer, Third Edition explains the basis and mechanisms of all types of current physically-based climate models. A thoroughly revised and updated edition, this book assists the reader in understanding the complexities and applicabilities of today’s wide range of climate models. Topics covered include the latest techniques for modelling the coupled biosphere-ocean-atmosphere system, information on current practical aspects of climate modelling and ways to evaluate and exploit the results, discussion of Earth System Models of Intermediate Complexity (EMICs), and interactive exercises based on Energy Balance Model (EBM) and the Daisyworld model. Source codes and results from a range of model types allows readers to make their own climate simulations and to view the results of the latest high resolution models. The accompanying CD Suitable for 3 rd /4 th year undergraduates taking courses in climate modelling, economic forecasting, computer science, environmental science, geography and oceanography. Also of relevance to researchers and professionals working in related disciplines with climate models or who need accessible technical background to climate modelling predictions.

Genres: Climate Change

296 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 1997

Reviews

[Sarah Clement]

A surprisingly easy to read primer on climate modelling that even I could understand. I am not a modeller, nor do I intend to be one, but I wanted to better understand how it works because I do use the outputs of climate modelling quite a lot. This book is a great overview for students as well, and I drew on it quite a bit in my lecture on climate change modelling. The writing in this book is simple and even entertaining in bits - quite a feat for a book on climate modelling. The book is full of practical advice and exercises, and you can download some software and a workbook to use with students in class. I haven't tried any of these, but my quick browse through the workbook suggests that these could save lecturers quite a lot of work if they are teaching climate modelling in class.

[Daniel Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of climate modeling, with a mixture of easy-to-grasp ideas and more difficult concepts. I think I'll read it again after taking a year's worth of atmospheric science classes.